If your Windows 8 machine is part of an Active Directory domain, then configure the settings via the GPMC on the domain controller. However, if your Windows 8 is in workgroup, HomeGroup, or in a stand-alone configuration then seek out the local group policy editor – gpedit.msc.

Group Policy TacticsThere are three reasons for changing group policy settings; just for fun I give each a personality:

If you need to alter a setting this is how to launch Microsoft’s Local Group Policy Editor.

From the Metro UI, type gpedit.mscFrom the desktop call for the ‘Search’ charm, type in the dialog box: gpedit.msc Trap: Many people forget to append the .msc file extension, consequently they cannot find the editor.

Once gpedit appears in the resultant Apps list, consider right-click, Advanced and ‘Pin to Taskbar’.

It’s straightforward from now on, launch gpedit and navigating through the Local Computer Policies.

The most interesting policies are found in the User Configuration, Administrative Templates folders.

Alternatively, you could research policies from the ‘All Settings’ folder.

If you can rule out a typo, and you remembered that .msc extension, then the most likely reason you cannot see Microsoft’s Windows 8 gpedit.msc is that you have the Home Premium Edition. There has to be some benefit in paying the extra for the Windows 8 Ultimate, or Professional, and getting the Local Group Policy Editor is one of them.

If you cannot get a copy of gpedit.msc, one work-around would be to call for Regedit and change the setting in the registry.

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Gpedit and Logon Scripts

One use of Gpedit.msc is to link logon scripts to a Group Policy.

You could expand the Computer Configuration, but I prefer to go to the User Configuration, see screenshot:

Scripts (Logon/Logoff)

Naturally, you select ‘Logon’ from the right pane. As ever, if you have an up-to-date operating system such as Windows 8, then configuring is easy. Select the PowerShell Scripts tab, then click on ‘Add…’ and now wire-up your PowerShell.ps1 file to the ‘Scripts’ policy.

Tip: The trick is to copy your logon.ps1 file (into memory) then paste into the location revealed by the ‘Add…’ button. See screenshot above.

The actual location C:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicy\User\Scripts\Logon is a hidden folder. This is one reason the above interface provides a ‘Show Files…’ button. To see the files in Windows Explorer you may need to change the folder view options. See more about PowerShell Logon Scripts.

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Gpedit and UAC

If you visit the Computer Configuration section, and expand Windows Settings, Security Settings and Security Options, then you can examine the UAC policies. For example: User Account Control: Turn on Admin Approval Mode.

Summary of Windows 8 Gpedit.msc – Local Group Policy Editor

Microsoft produces a lovely utility called Local Group Policy Editor so that you can change registry settings conveniently. As with previous Windows operating systems you can inspect and adjust the settings with a snap-in called gpedit.msc.

If won’t find gpedit.msc in Windows 8 Home Premium, this is because it does not exist; you need to upgrade to the Ultimate edition.